---

Divorce Trends: The Rise of Conflicts in Relationships

Jennifer Hargrave, the compassionate Dallas divorce attorney and managing partner of Hargrave Family Law, joined KLIF morning news to discuss the phenomenon of “Divorce Day” and the seasonal uptick in divorce filings in January and February. Hargrave explains that many individuals begin evaluating their relationships before the holidays but often wait until after the new year to initiate divorce due to the timing’s practical implications for families.

Key points include:

• Seasonal Trends in Divorce: An increase in divorce filings is observed in the months following the holidays, culminating around Valentine’s Day. This aligns with life planning cycles, particularly for families with children.
• Rising Conflict Levels: Hargrave notes that while peaceful resolutions are still possible, societal trends have led to heightened conflict in divorces, increasing costs and challenges.
• Impact of Societal Factors: Factors such as political ideologies have become more common reasons for irreconcilable differences, reflecting broader societal divisions.
• Historical Divorce Rates: While divorce rates in America hover around 50%, the dynamics of relationships and causes for divorce have evolved, with conflict resolution being a significant challenge for families.

Transcript

Why January Is Known as Divorce Month

Interview with Jennifer Hargrave, Compassionate Dallas Divorce Attorney
Aired on DFW Morning News, 570 KLIF – January 2025

Introduction

KLIF:
It’s cold outside, but is it as cold as your bedroom? That’s the question. We’re talking divorce. It’s 8:18 here on DFW Morning News on 570 KLIF.

Coming up, we’ll share more on the bitter cold in our headlines and check traffic and weather for you in eight minutes. But first, we’re bringing in the experts!

Jennifer Hargrave is the compassionate Dallas divorce attorney and managing partner of Hargrave Family Law. She’s here to talk about what’s been dubbed “Divorce Day” as we kick off the new year. Jennifer, thanks for joining us this morning!

What Is Divorce Day?

Jennifer Hargrave:
Thank you! Happy to be here.

KLIF:
So, “Divorce Day”—what is that? Are people just reevaluating their lives in the new year?

Jennifer Hargrave:
I think it’s the culmination of people who’ve been reevaluating their marriages since before the holidays. Many people realize that the holiday season isn’t the best time to make such a major life change. Once the holidays are over, the kids are back in school, and work routines resume, it becomes a natural time for people to initiate this kind of decision.

The January Divorce Surge

“It makes sense—it’s the start of a new cycle, and if changes need to happen, it’s a good time to begin.” – Jennifer Hargrave

KLIF:
A study from Richard Nelson LLP showed that searches for terms like “DIY divorce,” “quickie divorce,” or “divorce my partner” rose by 100% at the start of the year. Are people just planning divorces, or are they actually contacting attorneys?

Jennifer Hargrave:
We definitely see an uptick in January and February. This often culminates around Valentine’s Day when people are ready to take action. It makes sense—it’s the start of a new cycle, and if changes need to happen, it’s a good time to begin. That way, families can settle into new routines by summer.

Divorce Trends and Post-COVID Challenges

KLIF:
What trends are you seeing? Have things changed in recent years, especially after events like COVID?

Jennifer Hargrave:
One significant shift we’ve seen is a rise in conflicts during divorces. It’s harder these days for families to reach peaceful resolutions, though we always strive to help them do so. Saving money and minimizing stress is important, and conflict can be incredibly costly.

KLIF:
Have divorce rates gone up overall?

Jennifer Hargrave:
Divorce rates have hovered around 50% for decades. While I can’t say if they’ve risen recently, I can tell you that unresolved conflict remains a major challenge. This mirrors what’s happening in society—more division, more entrenched positions. Families are no exception.

The Role of Politics in Modern Divorce

“Twenty years ago, politics wasn’t a common cause of divorce. Today, it’s a frequent issue.” – Jennifer Hargrave

KLIF:
No reason to think relationships wouldn’t be affected by broader societal issues.

Jennifer Hargrave:
Absolutely. For instance, political ideologies have become a more common cause of divorce. Twenty years ago, that wasn’t something I often saw, but now it’s a frequent issue. Irreconcilable differences over politics, in particular, are definitely contributing to separations.

Closing Remarks

KLIF:
That time of year—Divorce Day, Divorce Month, whatever you want to call it—is here. Jennifer Hargrave, compassionate Dallas divorce attorney and managing partner of Hargrave Family Law, thanks for joining us this morning.

Jennifer Hargrave:
Thank you for having me.

KLIF:
Jennifer Hargrave, with us on DFW Morning News, 570 KLIF.

Hargrave Family Law – Compassionate Dallas Divorce Lawyers

We help good people end broken marriages with dignity, so you can move on with your life.

Let us be your advocates during this challenging time. Contact the non-adversarial Dallas divorce lawyers at Hargrave Family Law today for the legal assistance you need to navigate child abandonment and related family law matters. Request a complimentary case evaluation. Together, we can work towards protecting the happiness and well-being of your family.

Hargrave Family Law was founded by compassionate Dallas divorce lawyer Jennifer Hargrave.